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Four Surprises Through Two Weeks of Patriots Training Camp
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- Four Surprises Through Two Weeks of Patriots Training Camp
The unofficial turning point of New England Patriots training camp is upon us.
With two days off now and the Indianapolis Colts coming to town on Tuesday for a joint practice, then Thursday for the preseason opener, a more regular-season feel takes over with sights set on the final roster and the Sept. 9 season opener at Seattle .
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Let's take a peek at the four biggest surprises in Patriots camp to date.
1. Gabe Jacas ' instant impact
Jacas got the late start because of injury and contract issues, but the second-round pick out of Illinois feels like an astute learner.
The edge rusher plays in a spot of need and has zoomed through the depth chart in short time. At 6-foot-3, 270 pounds, he leaps out as a specimen on the field. It feels like it's translating into playmaking through camp.
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"It's a blessing to just be at practice and just be running around," said Jacas.
2. Kevin Byard steps right in
There were two sides to Byard being signed here from the Bears .
Either you respected the three-time First-Team All-Pro and his solidifying presence from the safety spot or you figured that at age 32 with 10 NFL seasons of tread wear on his tires, he was here to collect a check as his days wind down.
The veteran, who played for Vrabel in Tennessee , stepped right in, just as if he had been in this defense for the past 10 years.
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He looks dynamite.
Chicago Bears safety Kevin Byard III against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium.Mark J. Rebilas/Imagn Images
3. Eli Raridon delivering at tight end
Yes, it's early in camp, and the sample size is small, but the Patriots appear to have found a playmaker in the rookie third-round pick out of Notre Dame . He's caught a ton of footballs.
As backup QB Tommy DeVito said, "He's a big target. I bet you'd want to throw to him, too."
4. A linebacker is born
Remember the name Khalil Jacobs, the undrafted free agent linebacker out of Missouri.
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Once an afterthought in this camp, he is playing his way into the off-ball linebacker rotation like few might have expected.
He's an absolute ballhawk at 6-2, 227 pounds. Guaranteed that he'll be a Patriot who pops when the preseason games kick off and maybe beyond.
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Aug 7, 2026, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
